Last evening, the duty naval officer delivered our despacho papers to the boat. He and his friend spoke very little English, but joined us on the dock for a beer. After paying the required $20 departure fee, we retired for the evening. Once again we were looking at a dawn departure.
These o’ dark-thirty departures are so that we capitalize on the katabatik winds coming off the mountains, which in turn help to flatten the Atlantic Ocean swell. Generally, the best travel conditions are between 11pm and 10am, at which time the prevailing trade winds kick up, causing the seas to become much more active.
As we were departing the dock, our good friend Commandate Ramon arrived with his son and daughter to bid us farewell and safe travels.We expected a choppy exit from the harbor and were not disappointed. We followed the coastline for most of the day, staying in depths of between 120’ and 150’. As we rounded some of the Caps, we encountered some rolling conditions, but generally speaking, conditions improved throughout the day. We remained vigilant and saw several fishing net floaters and small fishing dorys, especially within close proximity to small isolated hamlets. We also encountered several garbage lines, where weed and floating debris get carried with the currents.
Shortly before dusk, we arrived in El Vale, the only published anchorage along our travels for the day. Samana, a safe anchorage was another 25 miles away and we did not wish to navigate it’s entrance in the dark.
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| El Vale from the Anchorage |
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| Approach to El Vale |
We anchored for a few hours of rest, and did not go ashore; therefore we did not report to the authorities.
We expected a quiet, calm night with the katabatik winds coming down the mountains to flatten the ocean swell, but unfortunately it was less than comfortable, with the surge and swell slapping the side of the boats and causing an uncomfortable roll. None of us slept well and were groggy and grouchy for the 3am departure for Cap Cana (Punta Cana).
Once under way, conditions were calm and comfortable. We arrived at Cap Cana Resort and Marina at 1:30pm. We were greeted by their pilot boat as we entered the approach channel and escorted to the fuel dock. After checking in, the pilot boat escorted us to our slips and assisted with tying lines around the pilings. Construction of this very large and exclusive resort commenced in 2005 and will be the size of Manhattan once completed. There are several restaurants on site, but most did not open until 5 or 6pm. They have a nice beach and three large swimming pools. It was off season while we visited, but activity was expected to increase over New Years.
It was great to see them, and as always, a Syme family get together was complete with kaos and muchas vino. Derek enjoyed captaing the dinghy under Alan’s command.
Following the departure of Adrian, we spent a quiet Christmas Eve day followed by cocktails and Christmas music on the dock as we admired Jan’s decorations..
Well maybe that had something to do with Jan’s reindeer antlers and red nose. Dinner was enjoyed by all, and again included muchas vino tinto (red wine). Our waiter, Manuel was most attentive and personable. After serving a round of Mama Whanas for the table, he explained that it is a traditional Dominican aperitif or digestive, and gave us some history and details of how to make it.
Dancing followed, before we walked back to our boats.
Merry Christmas!
After the fun and frivolities of the past couple of days, the Kaos crew spent a quiet Christmas morning, connecting with family and grandsons via Skype.
We enjoyed a wonderful turkey dinner, followed by flaming, rum soaked Christmas pudding, topped with rum butter and whipping cream aboard Lamb Chop.
Early to bed since the dreaded Mona Passage awaits us in the early morning.
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